A bioprocess is a process that uses living organisms or their components to produce a desired product. It involves techniques such as fermentation, enzyme technology, and genetic engineering to manipulate biological systems for industrial purposes such as food production, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.
Oxygen transfer in bioprocess refers to the process of providing oxygen to cell cultures for growth and metabolism. The oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) is a measure of how efficiently oxygen is transferred from the gas phase to the liquid phase in a bioreactor. It is determined experimentally by measuring the rate of oxygen mass transfer under specific operating conditions.
Biochemical engineering involves applying engineering principles to solve problems related to biological systems and processes, with a focus on the production of biochemicals through fermentation, enzyme technology, and genetic engineering. It includes areas such as biofuel production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental biotechnology, and bioprocess optimization. The field offers opportunities for developing sustainable solutions, improving production processes, and creating new products with applications in various industries.
Bioprocesses are generally more environmentally friendly as they use living organisms that can degrade pollutants. They are also often more specific and can produce higher yields of desired products. Additionally, bioprocesses can be milder conditions, reducing energy consumption and costs.
Continuous culture allows for steady-state conditions, providing a constant environment for microbial growth and allowing for long-term studies. However, it can be challenging to maintain and control in terms of the growth parameters, such as dilution rates and nutrient availability. Additionally, contamination can be a risk if proper aseptic techniques are not followed, potentially affecting the reproducibility of results.
The washout point in a bioprocess occurs when the dilution rate of the growth medium is equal to or greater than the specific growth rate of the microorganisms, resulting in the inability of the microorganisms to grow and be retained in the bioreactor. This leads to a loss of biomass and disrupts the steady-state operation of the bioprocess.
Bioprocess
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Associate Professor Dr. Fadzilah Adibah
Established in 1990 at Jalan Semarak Campus in capital city of Kuala Lumpur, the Department of Bioprocess Engineering is one of the five departments that make up the Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering.
As bioprocess engineers, you need to understand complicated biochemical processes in solution and in living organisms, and thus prospective students will be provided with a repertoire of essential tools that will be needed to analyze, quantify and optimize the processes.
The demand for Bioprocess Engineers in Malaysia is enormous. To realize Vision 2020, the government is currently actively pursuing the establishment of biotechnological-based industries in Malaysia. Malaysian government commitment in promoting biotechnology is reflected in the creation of Bio-Valley, which will provide abundant jobs for Bioprocess Engineers. Moreover, graduates can also work in chemical industries as process engineers.
Matriculation or STPM with minimum of B in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics /Biology
Now, a bioprocess engineer is defined as a person who employs mathematical-based engineering analysis to explain the physical, biological and chemical processes of complex biological systems and design processes that will yield products that can serve the needs of society such as biopharmaceuticals, food, treated waste-water, DNA recombinant products, agricultural chemicals and many more.
Presently, there are 21 academic staffs and 4 laboratory technicians working on different aspect of the bioprocess engineering.
Bioprocess Engineering Principles Involving the work with bioreactors and heat exchangers. Instrumentation related to biotech. (Industries making these instruments and standardising them)
The company Merck Millipore offer services in the fields life science, drug discovery and development, bioprocess engineering, lab water and bio monitoring.